We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Detection and Characterization of Multiple Microplastics in the Human Retina
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists detected microplastics in all 12 post-mortem human retina samples tested, with concentrations averaging about 49 micrograms per gram of tissue. Common plastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC were found, mostly as tiny fragments and fibers between 20 and 50 micrometers. This is the first study to confirm and measure microplastics in the human eye, raising new questions about whether these particles could affect vision or retinal health over time.
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread emerging environmental pollutants that present significant health risks to humans. While the presence of MPs has been documented in various human tissues, the detection of MP residues in the human retina remains uncertain. Herein, we characterized the types and concentrations of MPs in 12 post-mortem human retinal samples via pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The size, shape, and morphologies of MP particles in another two post-mortem human retinal samples were further characterized using laser direct infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. MPs were detected in all 12 human retinal samples at concentrations ranging from 8.93 to 91.05 μg/g with an average concentration of 49.21 μg/g. Various MPs such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were identified, with PS, PE, PP, and PVC detected in all analyzed samples. The diameters of the MPs detected in the human retinal samples predominantly ranged from 20 to 50 μm, with most particles exhibiting fragmented or fibrous morphologies. This study presents the first detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses of MPs in the human retina, which provides a crucial foundation for future research assessing their potential risks and detrimental impacts on retinal health.
More Papers Like This
Detection andCharacterization of Multiple Microplasticsin the Human Retina
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used pyrolysis-GC/MS to characterize microplastics in 12 post-mortem human retinal samples and found MPs in the retinal tissue for the first time. Multiple polymer types were detected, including polyethylene and polypropylene, indicating that MPs can reach and accumulate in the highly sensitive tissue of the human eye.
Revealing new insights: Two-center evidence of microplastics in human vitreous humor and their implications for ocular health
AI summary Read the abstract
In the first multi-center study of its kind, researchers detected microplastics inside the vitreous humor (the gel inside the eye) of 49 patients with various eye diseases, with most particles smaller than 50 micrometers. Higher microplastic levels were linked to concerning eye health measures like increased pressure inside the eye, and patients with retinopathy showed especially elevated levels.
Identifying and analyzing the microplastics in human aqueous humor by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
AI summary Read the abstract
For the first time, researchers detected microplastics in the aqueous humor, the clear fluid inside the human eye. Five types of plastic were found, with polyethylene and PVC being the most common, and adults had more particles than children or elderly individuals. This discovery adds the eye to the growing list of human organs where microplastics accumulate, raising new questions about potential effects on eye health.
Intraocular microplastics and their association with age-related macular degeneration: Evidence from aqueous humor profiling and bioinformatics analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined fluid from inside the eye in people with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and found microplastics in every sample. Polystyrene levels were higher in AMD patients than in controls, and higher PVC levels were linked to worse vision within the AMD group. Analysis suggested possible connections to inflammation-related biological pathways.
Detection of microplastics in pterygium tissue: Implications for environmental hazards
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in surgically removed pterygium tissue from a patient's eye, identifying ten particles including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene ranging from 5 to 99 micrometers. The findings suggest that environmental microplastics may commonly reach the ocular surface, raising concerns about eye-related exposure pathways.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.